Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

April 18 to May 11 – ‘The All Night Strut’

‘Swing’ is the thing in this musical celebration of the 1930s and ‘40s. “The All Night Strut” is a musical celebration that carries us through the Depression and World War II, filled with jazz, blues, bebop and standards to keep our toes tapping to legendary songwriters Frank Loesser, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway and the Gershwins. From the funk-jive of Harlem to the sophisticated El Morocco, “All Night Strut” is a combination of harmony and unbeatable energy opening at the Winter Park Playhouse on April 18. Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

April 18 to May 26 – ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’

This special Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) version of the Broadway musical finds Tom Sawyer matching wits with Aunt Polly and taking the adventure of his life with Becky and Huckleberry Finn. Based on the characters created by Mark Twain and filled with foot-stomping songs, ”The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” has thrills, comedy, and a bit of American history for the whole family. The show opens April 18. Call 407-896-7365 or visit orlandorep.com for tickets.

April 19 to May 26 – ‘The Wizard of Oz’

Enough with sequels and prequels; each year the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden produces a big musical cast from local talent, and each year they do a great job producing Broadway on-stage. This season, from April 19 to May 26, the Garden Theatre presents “The Wizard of Oz” – the one we grew up with – the one that exists “somewhere over the rainbow.” Here’s our chance to – once again – join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the TinMan, the Cowardly Lion and Toto as they travel with Dorothy to the Emerald City. In some clever casting, this production has Terry Olson, Orange County’s director of arts and cultural affairs, in the role of the Wizard. Call 407-877-4736 or visit gardentheatre.org

April 21 to 27 – Winter Park Paint Out

Throughout the week beginning April 21, 25 “plein air” artists will ‘paint’ throughout Winter Park, capturing landscapes and landmarks with oils, acrylics, and watercolors – and we are invited to watch their creative process. Visitors may watch artists painting in the gardens and attend free painting demonstrations. Artwork will be for sale in the Polasek Museum’s ‘wet room’ with a portion of the proceeds supporting the Museum. (Plein air describes artworks painted outdoors with the subject directly in view.) Hosted by the Polasek Museum, call 407-647-6294 or visit Polasek.org or winterparkpaintout.org

April 25 to May 12 – Mad Cow’s 12th annual Cabaret Festival

Mad Cow’s Cabaret Festival – the best in town – will be even better this season in their new home on Church Street in downtown Orlando. The Festival is host to more than 40 performances of soul, pop, Broadway, comedy, and cabaret headliners including Tony Award Nominee Emily Skinner; soul-singer Shoshana Bean; renowned singer/pianist Tony Desare; baritone Lee Lessack (channeling Johnny Mercer); comedy team Mel & El; celebrity impersonator Michael L. Walters; and former Mouseketeer Lindsey Alley in evening and lunchtime performances. The festival runs from April 25 through May 12 at 54 W. Church St. in Orlando. Call 407-297-8788 or visit orlandocabaret.com

April 26, 27 and 28 – The annual 100 for $100 multi-artist gallery show

Art collectors – get ready to rumble! Sanford’s Gallery on First will offer the 4th installment of 100 4 $100, a three-day group show of 100 pieces of art for $100 or less. Coinciding with the Sanford Art Walk, the opening (and the best buys) will be held on April 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. The opening is free and open to the public. Arrive early for the best selections. Each year they offer a variety of styles, including mixed media, watercolors, sculpture, acrylic paintings and drawings. Gallery on First is located at 211 E. First St. in downtown Sanford. Call 407-323-2774 or visit galleryonfirst.com

… And looking ahead – May 4 – United Way’s 21st annual Chef’s Gala

There are some big food & wine events in Central Florida, but none are as truly fabulous as the annual Chef’s Gala that benefits Heart of Florida United Way. This year festivities begin May 4 at 6:45 p.m. as the sparkling wine begins to flow (along with a silent auction) at Epcot Center at Walt Disney World. Fine cuisine from 25 of Central Florida’s top restaurants provide funds to benefit health and human service programs vital to Central Floridians in need, and – with the purchase of a ticket to the Chef’s Gala – we can help! Call 407-429-2129 or visit hfuw.org